I'm not sure I would do the mini-loop in the dead of winter either....I would think the West Coast of Florida and travelling the western Keys would get pretty interesting with a lot of Norther's blowing through regularly....

I'm not sure I would do the mini-loop in the dead of winter either....I would think the West Coast of Florida and travelling the western Keys would get pretty interesting with a lot of Norther's blowing through regularly....

Excellent info, PSN. Somehow I wasn't imagining that much of a voyage. Yes, I'm also surprised at the mileage, but it could be a good break-in for our eventual Great Loop starting in Spring 2015.

I can't do it yet...but definitely in my future plans...I'd love to add a stop or two in Cuba when that is easier...

I think that trip because of so many remote anchorages and overall length...a buddy boat for parts of it would be a blast...not every night but never be far from each other for help and company but not feeling like every moment depends on herd mentality....

We're planning on heading down the west coast next winter from Ft Myers. Having lived in the Keys (Big Pine) for 4 years I know about the winds, but we're more interested in working on our tans than making any distance.

We went straight across, not the rim route. Enough water, our draft was 4 feet. We did dig some dirt on the west end. Markers were far apart so pay attention, plot from one to the next, autopilot was good for that. Dont go through the lock at the end if going west, it gets tight in there. All together a very easy one day transit.

We went straight across, not the rim route. Enough water, our draft was 4 feet. We did dig some dirt on the west end. Markers were far apart so pay attention, plot from one to the next, autopilot was good for that. Dont go through the lock at the end if going west, it gets tight in there. All together a very easy one day transit.

Thanks for this info, but how does one "not go through the lock at the end"? We draw 5'6".

Thanks for this info, but how does one "not go through the lock at the end"? We draw 5'6".

Dave

I think he is talking about the lock at the dike going into Roland Martin's Marina at Clewiston. It is at the end of the entrance to the rim canal where you turn right for the canal or straight if you are going into the marina.

Thanks for this info, but how does one "not go through the lock at the end"? We draw 5'6".

Dave

Once in the lake, I never saw less than 10'. Across the lake to Clewiston, turn right into the rim canal, up to and through the Moore Haven lock.

Ted

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